Rick Rich

I believe in and support the AAW’s role as a home for all turners. I’m a founding member of the SW Washington Woodturners, a contributor to American Woodturner and Woodturning FUNdamentals, a frequent demonstrator for clubs, regional and national symposiums, and I serve on chapter and symposium boards. This involvement provides me with firsthand knowledge of our members interests and needs.

My focus on the Board of Directors would be unwavering promotion of woodturning through the AAW. I will support actively seeking out the thousands of solitary turners and giving them a compelling reason to join us. I will support training programs that teach the "Mystery or Art of the Turners" and initiatives that strengthen our charter clubs. In the bustle of hurried life where all manner of media vies for our time, I will support the unifying, comfortable, and educational message the AAW provides.

As a traditional woodturner, I believe the foundation of advanced and artistic work is carefully learned basic skills. Whether we pursue utility, craft, or the arts, the AAW exists to promote the education and growth of its entire membership.

In a 1987 editorial, David Ellsworth defined our fundamental purposes as the expansion of American Woodturner’s quality and content, a broader range of services for both amateur and professional turners, and stronger educational programs for those entering the field. The following year, Ellsworth emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of amateurs and professionals without creating a schism between them. He warned that other craft organizations had suffered greatly by forgetting their grassroots members. This remains as true today as it was during the association’s early years, and I believe these fundamental purposes are still the key to our collective success.

I respectfully ask for your vote.